Registered Tax & BAS Agent

A
Registered Tax Agent is qualified to prepare income tax returns and transact
business on behalf of taxpayers, including GST and Fringe Benefit Tax returns.A Registered Tax Agent is required to service
clients within the relevant legislation, which includes:

• prepare
returns honestly and competently, so that they are true and accurate

• keep up
to date with changes in taxation laws and practice

• Act
professionally in dealing with clients, including the ATO (Australian Taxation Office),
and

• maintain
a good fame and character.A reputation
for honesty and integrity is one of the major assets as a tax agent.

Using a
Registered Tax Agent ensures you that your tax affairs are being attended to in
a way that is appropriate for the ATO and provides ease of mind in knowing that
it will be done correctly.

The ATO has
previously warned against using Accountants who are NOT registered tax agents.

“Anyone who
uses an agent to prepare and lodge their tax return should ensure the agent is
registered with the TPB (Tax Practitioners Board).

This way
they can be confident they are getting professional advice.This should help to avoid any mistakes or
penalties this tax time,” said Mr Boucher.

“The TPB is
an independent national body which regulates tax practitioners.Agents registered with the TPB must comply
with a strong professional and ethical framework in providing tax services.

“Taxpayers
who use a registered agent may benefit from safe harbour provisions,
administered by the Australian Taxation Office.These may relieve them from certain administrative penalties that may be
imposed by the ATO.This includes
situations where an agent carelessly makes a false or misleading statement or
does not lodge a return or statement on time.”

“Remember,
only a registered agent can charge a fee to prepare and lodge a tax return.

REGISTERED BAS AGENT

Under
the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA 2009), a BAS service is a tax
agent service that relates to:

· ascertaining or advising an entity about the liabilities,
obligations or entitlements of the entity, or another entity, that arise, or
could arise, under a BAS provision

· representing an entity in dealings with the Commissioner in
relation to a BAS provision that is provided in circumstances where the entity
can reasonably be expected to rely on the service for the purpose of

• Satisfying liabilities or obligations that arise, or
could arise, under a BAS provision, or

• To claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under a
BAS provision.

A
BAS service therefore includes, but is not limited to:

• preparing or lodging an approved form about a taxpayer's
liabilities, obligations or entitlements under a BAS provision

• giving a taxpayer advice about a BAS provision that the
taxpayer can reasonably be expected to rely upon to satisfy their obligations

• dealing with the Commissioner on behalf of a taxpayer in
relation to a BAS provision

An Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Professional Practice Certificate sends a strong message that you are professionally qualified to look after financial affairs, and you operate within a strict code of ethics.